The cat is out of the bag! Maritzburg United midfielder Fortune Makaringe will join Orlando Pirates at the end of the season, according to an admission made by his mentor Eric Tinkler – as reported by Isolezwe on Friday.

The Bafana midfielder has been a standout player for the relegation-threatened outfit throughout the season, and is set to be latest member of the Team of Choice to seek greener pastures elsewhere.

The publication quotes Tinkler divulging on Makaringe’s destination in the upcoming season, having delivered a satisfactory performance against what has now been revealed as his next club.

“No player wants to lose a game. He pushed the team against Pirates.

“He wanted to show them that he is coming over there next season. He didn’t have a bad game against Pirates, but it could have been better. I know he will accept that he didn’t have the best of games because of the type of person he is.”

Eric Tinkler

How Fortune Makaringe will fit in at Orlando Pirates

The 25-year-old is a versatile player who can operate at the centre of the midfield as well as out wide.

For most of the season, Maritzburg have mostly used him in a holding role, with a few exceptions – including the clash against Pirates where he operated in a more advanced position.

The Buccaneers have used a three-man midfield throughout coach Milutin Sredojevic’s tenure, with Musa Nyatama, Xola Mlambo and Ben Motshwari manning the engine room.

Makaringe will find himself in competition with the trio, but is likely to enjoy a fair chunk of game time as the team look destined for another busy season, with Caf Champions League qualification almost guaranteed.